Jarlaths advance to League Final as Attractas brave effort falls short.

By Evan Brennan

St Jarlaths produced a performance of true grit and determination in testing weather conditions to emerge victorious in Wednesdays Junior ‘A’ League Semi Final. St Attractas came into the game hoping to avenge last year’s defeat at the same stage to the Galway side.

Attractas played against the strong wind in the first half. They found the going tough and failed to score a single point from play as their normally dangerous forward line struggled to get into the game. Jarlaths opened the scoring after 5 mins before Aidan Marren opened the Attractas account from a well struck free after Joshua Flynn was fouled after a brilliant mazy run. Jarlaths were looking the more assured side after they led 3 points to 1 after 11 minutes played. Luke Marrens free was followed by a big sucker punch as Jarlaths hit the back of the net after sloppy play in the Attractas defence as the game became increasingly hostile. Jarlaths were determined not to relinquish their lead as the Sligo side became increasingly frustrated. This lead to many mistakes and both sides got into numerous scuffles of the ball which was superbly refereed by Jon Finn. Adam Gallagher scored the final point of the half for Attractas who were hit with another blow as Kieran Feeley suffered an injury that ruled him out of the second half.

It was Attractas who the second period the brightest with the Captain Gallagher scoring the first point of the half. However, they failed to push on with Galway side slowing the game down to a manageable pace. They dealt a huge blow to Attractas hopes when they stuck for a goal midway through the second half to leave them in the ascendancy leading 2-4 to 5 points. They then opted to defend in numbers as they failed to score again in the final 13 minutes of normal time but crucially they didn’t allow St Attractas many opportunities either. A point from substitute Ben Henry with 10 minutes remaining proving the final score of the game. In an attempt to save the game, the management Colm McGee and James McDonagh introduced fresh legs who in fairness brought great energy to the game.

Despite their best attempts there was through and it’s the famous football nursey in Tuam who advance to play their neighbours Claregalway in the final. As for St Attractas there is plenty to ponder ahead of the championship as they struggled to adapt to the testing weather conditions. The greasy surface meant they failed to play the free flowing football that they produced in the majority of their earlier games in the campaign but there is no doubt this defeat should be a valuable learning experience for the Sligo teenagers.

Team, Jack Lundy, Conor Johnston, Kieran Jennings, Kieran Feeley, Eoghan Scanlon, Kian Golden, Adrian Walsh, Niall Towey, Tomas Goldrick, Dylan McLoughlin, Liam Carty, Joshua Flynn (0-1), Aidan Marren(0-1), Adam Gallagher(0-2), Luke Marren (0-1).

Subs used. Ben Henry (0-1), Ciaran Gorman, Jamie Frizzle, Kevin Brennan, Zak Nealon, Stephen Donoghue, Shane Feele